Beyond Helsinki – Discover Finland’s East Coast
Just over an hour from Helsinki, Finland’s East Coast brings together the Baltic Sea, a peaceful archipelago, award-winning parks, Alvar Aalto architecture, imperial history and one of Finland’s most fascinating fortress towns.
Kotka and Hamina offer a different side of Finland – coastal, green and wonderfully unhurried. Here, islands and fishing villages meet elegant parks, historic fortifications and stories from the days of the Russian emperors.
Architecture lovers can discover Sunila, one of Alvar Aalto’s most important residential and industrial communities. Designed as a complete environment for living and working, Sunila is an exceptional example of Aalto’s functionalist architecture and his vision of bringing buildings, people and nature together.
Combine your journey with Helsinki
Kotka is an easy addition to a stay in the Finnish capital. Spend a few days discovering Helsinki before continuing east to the coast, or visit the region as part of a longer tailor-made journey through Finland.
See also our Helsinki & Nature programme for inspiration.
Tailor your journey
This programme is an example and can be adapted to your interests, schedule and group size. Add more time in the archipelago, focus on Alvar Aalto and Finnish architecture, explore military history along the Salpa Line or combine Kotka and Hamina with Helsinki and other destinations in Finland.
Day 1: Kotka – Parks, Sea & Alvar Aalto
We arrive in Kotka and begin our journey through Finland’s beautiful eastern coast.
We explore Kotka’s famous parks, including Sapokka Water Garden and Katariina Seaside Park, where landscaped gardens meet the Baltic Sea.
We also discover Alvar Aalto’s Sunila, an internationally significant architectural environment designed by Finland’s most celebrated architect. The buildings, surrounding forest and views towards the sea reveal Aalto’s remarkable idea of architecture as part of everyday life and nature.
Day 2: The Finnish Archipelago
Today we head out to the Eastern Gulf of Finland and experience one of the region’s greatest treasures – its archipelago.
Depending on the season and boat connections, our day can take us to Kaunissaari, Tammio or Varissaari. Traditional island life, rocky shores, wooden houses and views across the Baltic Sea give us a glimpse of summer life in the Finnish archipelago.
The programme can also include Maritime Centre Vellamo, where the story of Finland and the sea is told through maritime history, archaeology and the history of the region.
Day 3: Hamina & Imperial Langinkoski
We travel to Hamina, one of Finland’s most distinctive historic towns. Its unusual circular town plan, radial streets and old fortifications tell the story of centuries spent between Sweden and Russia.
We walk through the historic centre and explore the fortress surroundings before continuing to Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge.
Here, beside the rapids of the River Kymijoki, Emperor Alexander III and his family escaped court life and enjoyed surprisingly simple summer holidays surrounded by Finnish nature.
Day 4: River Kymijoki & Departure
Our final day takes us to the landscapes of the River Kymijoki, one of the great rivers of Southern Finland. Forests, rapids and river scenery provide a peaceful ending to our stay on Finland’s East Coast.
Afterwards, we continue towards Helsinki. The journey can end in the capital or become part of a longer tailor-made tour of Finland.
What’s Included:
Each itinerary is individually designed, but your programme may include:
* Accommodation in carefully selected hotels
* Daily breakfast
* Private airport and destination transfers
* Private coach transportation throughout the tour
* Professional English-speaking guide
* Entrance fees according to the programme
* Ferry crossings and island transportation
* Selected cruises and sightseeing tours
* Authentic Finnish experiences and activities
* 24/7 local assistance throughout your journey
What is not included
* International or domestic flights (unless requested)
* Travel insurance
* Meals and beverages not specified in the programme
* Personal expenses
* Optional activities and excursions
* Gratuities
* Any services not specifically listed in the final itinerary
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